Bangladesh cricket team scripted history on Wednesday as they register an eight-wicket win against hosts New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, capturing their first-ever win in New Zealand. With this win, Bangladesh has become the first team to defeat New Zealand in New Zealand in a Test match since March 2017. This is also Bangladesh’s first Test victory over the BlackCaps.
Ebadot Hossain played a major role in Bangladesh’s historic win. He bowled superbly and took a career-best 6-46 to help Bangladesh bowl out New Zealand for 169 in the second innings. The right-arm seamer finished with 7 wickets in the match and became the first Bangladesh pacer to pick up a five-wicket haul in a Test innings since Robiul Islam in April 2013. Ebadot was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.
“In New Zealand soil, our brothers and teams didn’t get a win in the last 21 years. We set a goal this time. We raised our hand and said ‘We have to beat New Zealand in their own soil and we can do it.’ They are Test champions, if we can beat them our next generation will be inspired,” Ebadot said in the post-match presentation.
Bangladesh stun New Zeland in their own backyard
At the start of Day 5, New Zealand was 147/5 with just a 9 run lead, and the veteran batsman, Ross Taylor was on the crease. Ebadot Hussain gave them the early breakthrough on Day 5 as he dismissed Ross Taylor with an absolute peach of a delivery. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan then cleaned up the tail and put Bangladesh into the driving seat. Bangladesh bowlers did not allow the NZ batsmen much time to settle in as they were bundled out for 169.
Needing 40 runs for the win, Bangladesh wrapped up the chase in 16.5 overs with Mominul Haque (13*) and Mushfiqur Rahim (5*) remaining unbeaten at the crease. This could very well be the greatest upset in Test history as they have beaten the World test champions in their own backyard despite missing a few of their experienced players – Shakib al-Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mahmudullah. Bangladesh also became the first touring side to win a Test in New Zealand since April 2017.
“We weren’t quite there in all three facets. Bangladesh showed us how to go about things on that wicket. They were able to build partnerships, bowl (tight) at both ends, and apply lots of pressure. We couldn’t quite do it for long enough. There have only been two Test matches here, the two games have been similar. Probably a little bit slower than what we expected. And didn’t quite break up as much,” said New Zealand captain Tom Latham after the game at the post-match presentation.
Records Broken
1. Bangladesh registered their first-ever win against New Zealand in New Zealand in all formats.
2. This was their only sixth away Test win overall from 61 attempts.
3. Bangladesh broke New Zealand’s eight series-winning run on home soil. New Zealand was on a 17-match unbeaten streak in home Test matches.
4. This was Bangladesh’s first Test win over a team ranked in the Top-5.
5. It is the first time New Zealand has lost to a team from Asia since Pakistan beat them by nine wickets in Hamilton in January 2011.